Iraqi refugees returning home

Inside Iraq asks ordinary Iraqis about their dreams for a better Iraq.

The first six months of 2007 were the most deadly for civilians of any year since the US invasion of Iraq. This was largely attributed to the US military 'surge' launched in February. However, the last six months of 2007 have seen a marked improvement in the security situation, especially in Baghdad.

According to Iraq Body Count, an independent organisation which monitors civilian deaths in Iraq, the number of civilian deaths in bombings and violence has dropped from a high of 57 per day in February to just nine in November. This enhanced security has persuaded thousands of Iraqi refugees to return home in the last few months.

Are Iraqis living in better conditions now compared to the last four years since the invasion? Will 2008 be a better year for them?

This week, Inside Iraq meets ordinary Iraqis and ask them about their dreams of a better Iraq.